THE family of a man who could have been killed in a 'hit and run' accident are calling for the driver to come forward.

Twenty-year-old Daniel Tides-well, of Hollybank Close, Winnington, was flipped over the bonnet as he stood on the pavement outside the Volunteer pub on London Road, Northwich, at about 12.40am on Friday.

Daniel sustained injuries to his elbow and ankle and was taken to Leighton Hospital in Crewe by his girlfriend, but later was forced to discharge himself after waiting until 6am without being able to see a doctor.

Police were at the scene within minutes but by then the vehicle had sped off towards Leftwich and Kingsmead, the driver, who witnesses say was female, having not got out of the vehicle. Witnesses describe the car as an old style, H-reg red Mini-Cooper with a white roof.

Daniel's mother Sheila Hughes is furious the driver failed to stop. She said: 'It's ridiculous - he was stood on the kerb talking to a mate while on his way back to his friend's house on Drillfield Road after an evening in town.

'His back was to the road when it happened and the driver hit him from behind so hard that he was flipped over the bonnet and the impact took his shoes and coat off. Part of the car came away as well.

'Daniel's elbow is all swollen and cut and he is limping - it's just a blessing that he wasn't killed. We need to find out who did this to bring them to justice.

'The car was quite distinctive and the driver needs finding - even if she goes to the police herself then at least she's facing up to the facts.'

PC Andrew Connor of Northwich police said: 'We have a partial registration number H873 but have been unable to trace the vehicle.

'Witnesses have said the car was driven by a blonde woman in her 20s and I appeal to anyone who may have seen the incident or noticed fresh damage to a car matching the description to contact police.

'It may be that the driver panicked at the time and was scared to stop. If that is the case then I urge her to come forward and contact us.'

* Anyone with any information should contact police on 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.